A cancer diagnosis can be scary and life-threatening, but taking steps to prevent cancer can help reduce your risk. Bladder cancer more commonly affects older adults, but can be diagnosed in people of any age. Cancer of the bladder is often found quickly, which makes treatment more effective. One theory regarding the cause of bladder cancer is that large consumption of cheese may increase your risk. Educating yourself about the causes and symptoms of bladder cancer can help you protect your health.
Symptoms
Your bladder is a balloon-shaped organ that your body uses to store urine until you use the restroom. Bladder cancer is usually caught early because it is accompanied by noticeable and uncomfortable symptoms. Blood in your urine is one of the most common symptoms and may present as dark yellow- or dark brown-colored urine. You may also notice bright red blood. In some cases, blood may be present but your urine will appear normal. Other symptoms include frequent need to urinate, painful urination, urinary tract infection, abdominal pain or back pain. See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Causes
Smoking and tobacco use is one of the primary causes of bladder cancer. If you smoke or use tobacco, you are two to four times more likely to develop bladder cancer. Your risk also increases depending on much you smoke and how long you have used these products. Certain jobs that involve work with the manufacture of amines, dyes, rubber, paint, aluminum and leather also put you at a higher risk. Truck driving is another risk factor. Studies are ongoing to determine if claims that coffee and artificial sweeteners raise your risk are valid.
Cheese
Diet may also play a role in your risk of developing bladder cancer. WebBladder, a health website maintained by physicians specializing in bladder health, notes that regularly eating large servings of cheese may increase your risk. The site reports that the risk of bladder cancer went up 50 percent for individuals who eat 1.8 oz. or more of cheese every day. Cheese may increase your risk because of its high fat content, which the "European Journal of Cancer Prevention" reports is already known to elevate your risk.
Prevention
A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are two ways to help reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer. The European Journal of Cancer Prevention suggests that fruits and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, may help reduce your risk. Drinking plenty of water is also considered a healthy way to decrease your chance of getting bladder cancer. Keeping your intake of fatty foods, including cheese, low is another possible lifestyle change that could prevent this type of cancer.
